Criminality: CCE / Modern Slavery
Twilight Inset - 28/4/2026
Criminality: CCE / Modern Slavery
Twilight Inset - 28/4/2026
Contents Page
Hello and welcome to Summer Term 1
Important message
Cohort known experiences
Inset on CCE and Modern Slavery
Where to go for help
Q&A
Dear Staff members,
The information we are about to share is the current known issues that some of our pupils are facing, they will not named and this INSET is focused on developing our own knowledge on these incidents.
Current Issues
Current concern
Services working with
PWJS, Police, Social Care
Drug use
Drug Dealing
Anti social behaviour
Theft
Assault
Alcohol use
Gang Violence
The Evolving Landscape of Drug Use
Current Trends: Move away from traditional "street drugs" toward high-potency cannabis (edibles/vapes) and prescription pills (Xanax, Codeine).
The "Edibles" Trap: Professional-looking packaging (often mimicking Nerds or Skittles) makes detection difficult in school settings.
Signs to Watch For:
Sudden drop in hygiene or, conversely, a sudden influx of expensive "designer" accessories.
Persistent "cough" or lethargy (common with vaping/THC oil).
Frequent, unexplained money or multiple "burner" phones.
Drug Dealing & County Lines
Definition: "County Lines" involves gangs from urban hubs using mobile phone lines to export illegal drugs to suburban or rural areas.
The Role of Pupils: Used as "mules" or "runners" because they are less likely to be stopped by police.
The Hook: Debt bondage. A pupil is "given" drugs or a gift, which is then "stolen" or "lost," forcing them to work off the debt.
Terminology to Know: * Trapping: Dealing.
Cuckooing: Taking over a vulnerable person's home.
Going OT (Out There): Traveling to deal drugs.
Gang Violence & The "Business Model"
Shift in Perspective: Modern gangs operate more like businesses than "postcode rivals."
The Social Media Influence: Music videos (Drill) and platforms like Snapchat/TikTok are used to taunt rivals and recruit young people.
Violence as Branding: Acts of violence are often filmed and uploaded to boost the "reputation" or "creds" of the group.
Theft & Acquisitive Crime
The Motivation: Often driven by the need to fund a lifestyle seen on social media or to pay off "debts" to exploiters.
Shoplifting & E-Commerce: Rise in "flipping" stolen goods on secondary marketplaces (Vinted, Depop, Telegram).
Moped/E-Scooter Crime: The use of fast, anonymous transport for "snatch-and-grab" thefts (phones/bags).
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) vs. Exploitation
Redefining ASB: What looks like "disruptive behavior" in the community is often a cry for help or a symptom of trauma.
The Impact: ASB often leads to "Acceptable Behaviour Contracts" (ABCs) or injunctions, which can ironically push a child further into the arms of a gang for "protection" against the system.
Key Indicators:
Pupils congregating in specific "hotspots" (stairwells, parks, fast-food outlets).
Aggression toward authority figures as a "performance" for peers.
Vulnerability Indicators (The "Red Flags")
Category Indicators
Attendance Frequent Truancy, "missing" for periods during the day, returning with unexplained items.
Behaviour Significant change in mood, secretive phone use, use of specific slang/hand signals.
Physical Unexplained injuries, "hiding" bruises, wearing inappropriate clothing (multiple layers/balaclavas).
Social Older "friends" (associates) picking them up from school, isolation from old peer groups.
The Staff Toolkit (Actionable Steps)
Listen, Don't Judge: If a pupil mentions "debt" or "trouble," remain neutral. Judgment shuts down communication.
Report, Don't Investigate: Follow your school’s safeguarding policy (DSL). Your job is to provide the "piece of the puzzle," not solve the whole crime.
Curriculum Integration: How can we weave "healthy relationships" and "online safety" into our lessons to build resilience?
Be the "Safe Adult": Often, a teacher is the only adult in a child's life not looking to exploit them or punish them.
What is CCE?
Child Criminal Gangs
Child Criminal Exploitation
Criminal Cruelty Exploitation
Community Crime Enforcement
Halfway pause
Pause halfway (after 15 mins):
What warning signs have you noticed?
Who has the power in this situation?
Is the young person making free choices?
Short paired discussion (3–4 mins).
Has this child been harmed?
Yes
No
What makes someone vulnerable to CCE?
What makes this a form of slavery?
Is there any way the outcome could have been avoided? How?
Which is a red flag for youth criminality?
Aggressive behaviour towards peers
Positive community involvement
Strong family support
Excellent academic performance
What are the two main activities described in County lines?
Promoting legal businesses
Transporting food supplies
Exporting illegal drugs
Using mobile phone lines
What role does social media play in gang conflicts?
Promoting educational content
Facilitating peaceful discussions
Inciting violence through online threats
Sharing community news
What behaviour might indicate drug use?
Withdrawal from friends
Increased academic performance
Sudden mood changes
Enhanced social interactions
Which physical signs may suggest drug use?
Clear skin
Bloodshot eyes
Healthy appetite
Unusual weight loss
What change in routine could indicate drug use?
Neglecting personal hygiene
Joining new clubs
Improving study habits
Skipping school frequently
Call or text Safecall on
116 000 to get free, confidential support if you’re being told to carry drugs or weapons, or you’re involved in a gang.
Final Thought:
"A child is never 'just a criminal.' They are either a victim of their circumstances or a target for those who exploit them. Our job is to see the child, not just the behavior."